Man accused of lighting fires to undergo mental health assessment

A man accused of lighting several fires in Sydney's north has been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.

Craig Flowers, 50, did not apply for bail at Hornsby Local Court this morning, after he was charged with deliberately lighting three fires, including one on Wednesday, which saw the mercury soar to 33C.

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Mr Flowers was later arrested and taken to Hornsby Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of lighting fire and being reckless to it's spread, and possessing an article to destroy property.

Authorities have warned there are strict penalties for the lighting of bushfires.

The maximum penalty for lighting a bushfire and being reckless as to its spread is 14 years imprisonment.

Mr Flowers appeared in the dock, wearing a blue and grey t-shirt.

The matter was adjourned, and will return to court once a mental health assessment has been completed.